System Nemesis 14 Chapter 14 : Expansion
Derrick was floored by all these upgrades. They were transforming him into an overseer of his newly born empire.His heart couldn't help but crazily accelerate. This would kick start his plans and wouldn't allow him another second of rest."Yes, show me the stats!"[Akata Village][Level : 1][Population : 200][Soldiers : 0][Funds : 10 gold][Tax : 0%][Inst.i.tutions : None (Note : This section includes everything related to civil or military facilities (forges, schools, hospitals...))][Mood : 75/25 (Note : If the mood is equal or over the threshold of 80/20, the population will never rebel against its ruler and will instead worship him. If it's equal or lower than 50/50, rebellions and dissidents will appear to oppose the regime in place)]After reading through everything, Derrick started pondering. First, he realized he had crippled its defenses badly when he had killed every soldier present. His personal army didn't count towards the number of soldiers stationed because they couldn't remain if he was not there to command them.Second, the amount of funds present was truly pitiful. He would need to find commercial avenues to replenish his coffers and convince merchants to establish themselves here. He needed their connections to lay a solid economic foundation that would last far in the future.As for taxes, there was no need to impose them now. The current population was poor and didn't have any valuables. Their expertise was also really basic. Their only "specialty" was in construction and farming, and that was debatable.Derrick would have to convince professionals like blacksmiths, masons and lumberjacks to open businesses here and hope to G.o.d they could train these folks. He needed these industries. He could grant 2 blacksmith t.i.tles upon people he already had, but he would rather wait for talented individuals. The remaining point concerning inst.i.tutions could be put at a later date.What he really needed right now was the resource that granted power : people. Without enough population, all his dreams would come crashing down like a castle of cards. It was time to start expanding and centralizing.He freed himself from Lacha and asked her to gather everyone. It was time to make them work and earn his good graces.An hour later, a small a.s.sembly had taken place in front of the small house. Everyone looked apprehensive and looks of dread could be seen on their faces. Derrick ordered Io to remain by his side, so they wouldn't dare look away from him."You must all be wondering why I ordered you to gather when it hasn't even been a day since you last saw me. Well, it's because my plan is starting now!"Everyone present started murmuring to each other and curiosity reached its peak. They knew the person in front of them was a monster, and they couldn't help but feel a tinge of excitement. After all, if he wanted them dead, they would already be six feet under.
When he saw them interested in what he had to say, a flash of madness and desire appeared in Derricks' eyes."I'm going to expand this village and make it the beacon of this inhospitable region! I'll make you all see what life is truly about. Hunger? Gone! Poverty? Gone! You'll be living lives worth living! Survival has always been the motto of this village, but no more! We will take what's ours and shove it in the face of these so-called superpowers!"Everyone gasped. What the h.e.l.l was he trying to say?! They were located between two super empires that could crush them by sneezing. They didn't doubt the fact that Derrick was strong, but he was only one man. The people wanted to believe, but they were scared of being deceived.Hope was a strong driving force, but it was also the strongest catalyst of despair.After seeing their doubtful expressions, Derrick couldn't help but snicker. He then took a large breath and made his thunderous voice heard."IS THAT ALL MY PEOPLE AMOUNT TO?! A BUNCH OF SPINELESS COWARDS THAT LIVE IN FEAR?! A BUNCH OF SHEEP THAT WAIT FOR THE WOLF TO COME?! RISE YOU FOOLS!!! YOU HAVE THE HONOR OF BEING MY SUBJECTS NOW!!! ENOUGH OF THIS COWARDICE!!!"A chill ran through everyone's spines. What he said was what they all thought deep in their hearts. They were sick of being oppressed and ostracized. They wanted better. They wanted something that the person in front of them could, perhaps, give them.After a few seconds, a lone voice was suddenly heard from the back of the crowd."My King, what do you need from us?"Derrick grew a large smile on his face. This is what he wanted. He had to change their way of thinking, or they would be useless puppets that would only do what they were told. He needed them to evolve into exemplary citizens that would devote themselves to their empire."I want you all to start building houses. We need to triple the number we currently have. We also need to develop more lands to farm"Everybody present almost chocked to death. This was an absurd demand that couldn't be met unless they dropped everything and solely focused on the task. After the shock subsided, the voice sounded again."My King, this demand... It's going to force everyone into construction... Are you sure this is wise?"Derrick was tired of not seeing the person he was conversing with."Would you mind stepping forward and presenting yourself?""I'm deeply sorry your Highness! My name is Jack and I'm part of the workers building new houses"After he stepped forward, Derricks' interest was piqued. Jack was an old man that had a decent build. His short gray hair and his round brown eyes made him look like an old fox. He was clearly an intelligent fellow."You raise a good point Jack, but I'm sure of this decision. I'll handle the other matters. All you need to concern yourselves about is farming and building new houses."After a brief pause, he continued."Also, the one in charge when I'm not present will be Lacha. If anyone dares disobey her, he or she will be executed right away. Also, Jack will be responsible for the construction teams. I expect progress when I return"Jack was quite surprised when he heard he was made supervisor, but he soon felt a headache dawn on him. He had a huge task in front of him and asked Derrick to excuse himself as he wanted to start planning right away, to which he agreed.Lacha was also taken aback, but she loved challenges like this. It would also give her time to mend relationships and explain what happened. She didn't want to be seen as an evil wench who used her body to gain power."This a.s.sembly is over. Now rise my subjects! I'll be back in a few days and I'll be bringing a surprise"An evil grin appeared on Derricks' face. He jumped on Io's back and opened the map Lacha had given him. He had 4 villages in his sight and none of them would be spared.